FanDuel, DraftKings pivot to predictions
August 13, 2026
Prediction Markets Reignite Sportsbook Spending Battle Ahead of NFL Season
Major U.S. sports betting operators are reigniting aggressive customer acquisition spending ahead of the NFL season, driven by the rapid growth of prediction markets. Leading online gaming platforms are projected to lose more than $500 million in combined adjusted EBITDA as they invest heavily in these prediction platforms to acquire users in regions without legal online sports betting. While companies like DraftKings and FanDuel view prediction markets as a vital expansion tool, competitors such as PENN Entertainment warn that the escalating spending war risks becoming an irrational arms race.
Yahoo Finance
NBA Europe: Former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy vying with Spurs owners to buy London-based team in new basketball league
Former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is competing against his former employers, Tottenham owners the Lewis family, to acquire NBA Europe's London-based team. While the Lewis family has joined a consortium led by the Checketts and Eccles families, Levy's competing group is backed by Liberty Global and MSP Sports Capital. As the most highly prized market among the 12 planned European franchises, the London team is part of a larger NBA initiative expected to generate billions of dollars as team rights are awarded in the coming weeks.
Sky Sports
Fox Sports to introduce Owl Cam for IndyCar’s Freedom 250
Fox Sports is debuting a new overhead "Owl Cam" mounted on a 4D gimbal rig to capture dynamic, movie-style hyper-pan shots during IndyCar’s inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C. Positioned over Turn 1 on Pennsylvania Avenue, the stabilized four-axis camera will track passing cars with the U.S. Capitol building featured as a dramatic backdrop. To complement this unproven technology and overcome the visibility challenges of a street circuit, Fox Sports will also utilize a National Park Service helicopter camera, a camera atop the Washington Monument, and driver's eye views in six cars.
Sports Business Journal
Gianni Infantino set to back 64-team World Cup as he seeks South American support
Facing mounting pressure to resign from UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian football confederation over a controversial World Cup investment scheme, FIFA president Gianni Infantino is seeking South American support by indicating he will back Conmebol's proposal to expand the 2030 tournament to 64 teams. To aid his survival ahead of next year's election, Infantino has been rallying international backing, including from Conmebol leaders and US President Donald Trump, who publicly warned FIFA against removing him. Meanwhile, FIFA has commissioned research to assess the strategic and economic viability of a 64-team format, balancing potential revenue gains against concerns over fixture congestion and tournament quality.
The Times
HNTB to design new arena for Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars have appointed architecture firm HNTB as the lead designer for a proposed 18,000-seat arena in Plano, Texas. Anchoring a wider $1 billion sports, entertainment, and retail district near The Shops at Willow Bend, the project recently secured $700 million in approved public funding from the Plano City Council. The new facility is set to become the franchise's home once their lease at downtown Dallas's American Airlines Center expires in 2031.
The Stadium Business
CBS Sports Says “No Timetable” For Tony Romo’s Potential Return After Drunk Driving Arrest
Following a recent arrest in Wisconsin for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, CBS Sports suspended top NFL analyst Tony Romo indefinitely and appointed J.J. Watt to step into his broadcasting slot for the start of the season. CBS Sports CEO David Berson announced there is currently "no timetable" for Romo's return, citing that the situation remains an active legal and internal investigation. Paramount and CBS are weighing the impact on their brand image and evaluating whether to exercise a morals clause in Romo's 10-year, $180 million contract ahead of his upcoming September 21 court date.
Deadline
MLB Owners To Vote On Padres Sale Next Monday
Major League Baseball owners are set to vote next Monday on approving the sale of majority control of the San Diego Padres to José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones, a transaction that values the franchise at a record $3.9 billion. The expected approval will make Feliciano the franchise's control person with an equity stake of over 40%, while members of the Seidler family and current minority investors retain their shares. Meanwhile, the ownership transition comes as the Padres push into competitive balance tax territory following deadline trades for pitchers Robbie Ray and Casey Mize, coinciding with a four-game winning streak that has moved the club into a tie for a National League Wild Card spot.
MLB Trade Rumors
Peoria Chiefs. Stadium Operations Manager.
Our Stadium Operations Manager reports to the General Manager and oversees all day-to-day operations at Dozer Park including maintenance, cleaning, system operations and events. Assists in providing overall administrative planning, direction and assuring the highest quality service program to assure booking and rebooking of events. Stadium Operations personnel ensure an effective and cost-efficient program by controlling departmental operating budget as well as providing highly responsible staff assistance and management to the General Manager. Apply Now.
New Orleans Saints and Pelicans. Group Sales Manager.
The Manager of Group Sales is responsible for driving group ticket revenue and attendance across the New Orleans Pelicans, New Orleans Saints, and Laketown Squadron. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Ticket Sales and Service, this position will lead, coach, and develop the Group Sales team while creating and implementing strategies that grow the group ticket business year over year. Apply Now.
Houston Rockets. Producer/Editor.
The Houston Rockets are seeking a passionate and talented Video Producer ready to work in a fast-paced and creative production environment. Our department is responsible for creating original content, features, commercials, and delivering via streaming services, apps, and social media platforms both quickly and systematically for the Houston Rockets, our partners, and Landry’s as needed. This role will be focused on creating long-form storytelling content while supporting other department needs. Apply Now.
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Uihlein Family Commits $35 Million to Support Northwestern Football
Northwestern University announced a three-year, $35 million commitment from the Uihlein family to bolster the growth and competitiveness of its football program. The donation will be used to fund student-athlete development, operational priorities, recruiting efforts, and strategic investments within the Big Ten conference. This major contribution arrives as the university prepares to open the new, privately funded Ryan Field, signaling an expanded philanthropic push to elevate Wildcat Athletics.
NU Sports
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